The Australian truck market just got more interesting. Ram Trucks Australia has quietly certified two new variants of their popular pickup that promise to shake things up completely.
The Big News: Hurricane Engine Replaces Legendary V8
Ram’s decision to ditch the iconic V8 might sound crazy at first. But here’s the twist – the replacement actually delivers more power and better efficiency than what came before.
The new Hurricane twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter engine sits under the hood of both Big Horn variants. This isn’t just any ordinary six-cylinder powerplant; it’s engineered to outperform the beloved Hemi V8 in almost every way.
Power Numbers That Actually Matter
Let’s talk raw figures because they tell an impressive story. The Hurricane engine pumps out 313kW of power and 635Nm of torque.
Compare that to the outgoing 5.7-liter Hemi V8 it replaces. The new setup delivers 22kW more power and a substantial 79Nm extra torque, making this a genuine upgrade rather than a compromise.
Two Sizes, Same Great Performance
Ram understands that one size doesn’t fit everyone’s needs. That’s why they’re bringing both short-wheelbase and long-wheelbase versions to Australian showrooms.
The short-wheelbase model comes with a practical 5.7-foot tray. It weighs in at 2,442kg tare mass and stretches 5,916mm in overall length.
Meanwhile, the long-wheelbase variant gets the bigger 6.4-foot tub. It’s slightly heavier at 2,479kg tare mass and measures 6,142mm from nose to tail.
Pricing Strategy That Makes Sense
Here’s where things get really interesting for Australian buyers. Despite all the improvements, pricing remains virtually unchanged from the previous generation.
The short-wheelbase Big Horn is expected to retail for $119,950 before on-road costs. The long-wheelbase version will likely come in at $120,950 plus on-roads.
Value Proposition Gets Stronger
Consider what you’re getting for that money. More power, better fuel economy, and modern technology – all at the same price point as before.
This pricing strategy positions the Big Horn as a serious contender against established rivals. Ford F-150 and Toyota Tundra buyers now have something compelling to consider.
Performance That Delivers Real-World Benefits
Raw numbers are one thing, but how does this translate to actual driving? The results are genuinely impressive across multiple metrics.
Acceleration improves dramatically from the previous V8 model. The Hurricane-powered truck can sprint from 0-100km/h in under 6.0 seconds, compared to about 7.5 seconds for the outgoing V8.
Fuel Economy Finally Makes Sense
Truck buyers have long accepted poor fuel consumption as the price of power. The Hurricane engine changes that equation completely.
Combined fuel consumption drops to 10.74L/100km – that’s approximately 12% better than the V8 it replaces. For buyers covering serious distances, this represents genuine savings at the pump.
Towing Capacity Remains Robust
Work capability hasn’t been compromised in the pursuit of efficiency. Both Big Horn variants maintain a braked towing capacity of 4,500kg with 750kg unbraked capacity.
This means your boat, caravan, or work trailer can still come along for the ride. The extra torque from turbocharging actually helps with heavy loads at low speeds.
Technology Updates Worth Noting
The 2025 Big Horn doesn’t just get a new engine. Several technology improvements make the cabin a more pleasant place to spend time.
Interior tech receives meaningful upgrades compared to the outgoing model. A 12-inch touchscreen infotainment system comes standard, paired with a 12-inch digital instrument cluster.
Missing Some Premium Features
It’s worth noting that the Big Horn misses out on some technology found in higher trim levels. The larger 14.4-inch touchscreen and 10.25-inch passenger display remain exclusive to Laramie Sport and Limited variants.
However, for most buyers, the standard setup provides everything needed for daily use. The interface is intuitive and response times are acceptable for this price point.
Design Evolution Keeps Things Fresh
Visual updates help distinguish the 2025 model from its predecessor. The front-end design gets a modern makeover that aligns with Ram’s current styling direction.
Exterior changes are evolutionary rather than revolutionary. This approach makes sense given the strong recognition value of the existing design.
The updates are subtle but effective. Chrome trim, lighting elements, and grille details all receive refinement without losing the rugged character that defines Ram trucks.
Interior Comfort Gets Attention
Cabin improvements extend beyond just technology screens. Seat comfort, material quality, and overall fit-and-finish all see incremental improvements.
Storage solutions become more practical throughout the cabin. Small details like phone charging areas and cup holder placement show thoughtful engineering.
Market Context and Competition
Understanding where the Big Horn fits requires looking at the broader Australian truck landscape. Competition has intensified significantly over the past few years.
Ford F-150 sales reached 2,428 units in 2024, while Chevrolet Silverado managed 2,389 sales. Toyota’s late-arriving Tundra only managed 469 sales after its November launch.
Ram’s Market Position
Despite a 44% sales drop to 3,239 units, Ram 1500 still outsold all major competitors in 2024. This demonstrates strong underlying demand for the product.
The sales decline was largely attributed to the discontinuation of the more affordable previous-generation model. The new Big Horn aims to recapture that value-conscious segment.
What This Means for Australian Buyers
The arrival of the Hurricane-powered Big Horn represents a significant shift in the local truck market. Buyers no longer need to choose between performance and efficiency.
Traditional V8 buyers might initially resist the change to forced induction. However, the performance and economy benefits should win over most skeptics.
Timing Considerations
Ram indicates that the new Big Horn variants will arrive when current Hemi V8 stock is exhausted in the third quarter of 2025. This gives potential buyers time to make decisions.
Current V8 owners looking to upgrade have choices. Wait for the new Hurricane models or potentially secure one of the last V8 trucks at potentially reduced prices.
Future Prospects and Additional Variants
The Big Horn launch is just the beginning of Ram’s Australian expansion plans. Several exciting variants are being considered for local introduction.
High-performance RHO variants are already undergoing testing on Australian roads. This suggests serious intent to bring more specialized models to market.
Luxury and Performance Options
Ram is also considering the Tungsten luxury flagship for Australian introduction. Even more exciting is the possibility of a reborn TRX performance flagship.
The TRX’s return would depend on various factors including emissions regulations and market demand. However, the potential exists under Ram’s returning global CEO Tim Kuniskis.
Technical Specifications Deep Dive
Let’s examine the detailed specifications that matter to potential buyers. Understanding these numbers helps make informed purchasing decisions.
Gross Vehicle Mass remains at 3,505kg for both wheelbase variants. This consistency simplifies payload calculations and licensing requirements.
Wheelbase Differences Explained
The short-wheelbase model uses a 3,672mm wheelbase while the long-wheelbase version stretches to 3,898mm. This 226mm difference significantly impacts cargo space.
Overall length varies by the same amount – 5,916mm for short-wheelbase versus 6,142mm for long-wheelbase. Parking and maneuverability considerations make this difference meaningful.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When will the 2025 Ram 1500 Big Horn be available in Australia? A: Ram expects availability in the third quarter of 2025 when current V8 stock is exhausted.
Q: How much more powerful is the Hurricane engine compared to the V8? A: The Hurricane produces 22kW more power and 79Nm more torque than the outgoing Hemi V8.
Q: Will pricing increase with the new engine? A: No, pricing is expected to remain unchanged at $119,950-$120,950 before on-road costs.
Q: Does the Hurricane engine affect towing capacity? A: Towing capacity remains at 4,500kg braked and 750kg unbraked for both variants.
Q: How much better is the fuel economy? A: The Hurricane engine improves fuel consumption by approximately 12% to 10.74L/100km combined.
Q: Are there any downsides to the new engine? A: Some buyers may miss the V8 sound, but performance and efficiency are genuinely improved.
The Bottom Line: A Smart Evolution
The 2025 Ram 1500 Big Horn represents thoughtful evolution rather than radical change. Hurricane engine technology delivers genuine improvements in performance, efficiency, and everyday usability.
Pricing strategy makes this an attractive proposition for buyers seeking American truck capability without premium pricing. The combination of power, economy, and value creates a compelling package that should attract new buyers to the Ram brand.